Haven't ridden my Lightning in two months

[cb750]

Until today. I bought a zx-14 a couple months ago and have ridden it daily, including a trip to Deal's Gap. Now that I have some time on it to be comfortable, I have some thoughts.

The ZX is bigger than the XB, and feels it. It also has about 100 lbs more, which is offset by the 70 extra hp at the wheel. This, and maybe it's the way my suspension is set up, also makes the big Ninja ride smoother.
Talking about smooth, the 1400 is the smoothest I-4 I have ever straddled. The power is awesome, just a little bit of throttle and off you go. It's fun on the highway, but in the twisties it caused me some concern. I admit I don't fully trust my tires, and I was concerned I might over power my tires and lowside. I never felt that way on the Buell, but then I'm pretty sure my bike has a bad tune and doesn't run as well as it should.
The Ninja is a sportbike, and seats you like one. The Buell in comparison feels like a big dirtbike to ride.
In the twisties, I have never scraped pegs on my XB. I did scrape the pipe on the ZX. $1000 pipe, too. I did take some pics of the chicken strips for your amusement.

Buell

Kawasaki

So I've decided one of them is going.

 

[cb750]

I was going to edit but the banner ads were in the way. I just want to add that the ZX just got back from Deals Gap, and the XB has not bee there or on a track since that tire was put on.

 

[sprk_sprd]

Maybe I'm a bit slow, but which one are you getting rid of?

 

[Litos]

So I've decided one of them is going.

glad you're keeping the XB................

 

[sickee]

I would definitely keep the Kawasaki. You just don't see many of them out on the road. Very rare! (SARCASM)

 

[Litos]

I was going to edit but the banner ads were in the way.

yeah, WTF is up with that !?!?

happened to me about 10 days ago....

junk.....

 

[cb750]

Yeah, my Buell and my Honda are two bikes I don't think I'll ever get rid of.

 

[williegoat]

Yeah, but how does it compare to a Fiero?

 

[cb750]

The KZ blows the doors off any Fiero I have driven!

 

[cb750]

I went out for a ride on my zx yesterday and ended up at a Harley shop. Now I've been looking for a full dress cruiser for cheap, and they had a 92 Ultra Classic. After tax title and prep it would be $8000 out the door. That is definitely in my price range, but I wanted something newer with fuel injection. I looked at another one, a 99 I think, but wasn't really into it. I then looked at an 03 Road Glide that "is a beast". So come next Wednesday I'll take the ninja for one last cruise...

 

[thrstrmech]

Buell abuse... she no likey not paying any attention to her

 

[Kid1620]

So let me get this straight...... You're going to keep the lightning over the ZX when you ride the ZX more then you're lightning that's a great choice. Personally I'd keep the one that I ride more.........

 

[cb750]

I love the speed of the ninja, but I have a hard time getting comfortable on it. The Buell just got new neck bearings and feels awesome again. Its not exactly confidence inspiring when your bearings get notchy and you oversteer going into turns.
I haven't looked onto what the insurance will be, but im sure it will be less than the ninja.

 

[snrusnak]

I haven't looked onto what the insurance will be, but im sure it will be less than the ninja.

You've been riding for 2 months without insurance? There should be a law against that...... (again...sarcasm)

 

[buellbradski]

Think everyone here will say keep the buell ! But as far as a bagger why not the concours14 if you want to keep the i4 feal. If i were wearing your shoes i would sell both bikes and find a uly! If you are into all the bling harley provides id look into victory! 3 bikes! Does this make you a collector?[smirk]

 

[snrusnak]

^I second vicotry over HD! Better looking bike and better performing. (still pricey though).

Most people who ride a 4 then a twin prefer the feel of a twin.

 

[cb750]

I've got 4 bikes now, where does it stop?
Yeah a harley, sometimes I just want I big barcolounger to ride on, especially for highway trips.

 

[Semperfi]

Don't get a victory they look retarded. Every Victory Vision in existence needs to be rounded up and melted down or crushed. What a horrible, awful motorcycle. Get a Harley.

 

[snrusnak]

^why do you say that? They are very balanced looking bikes. Much better quality, technology, performance, etc than hd too.

 

[cb750]

I admit I do like the styling of Victory, but they're not as "everywhere" as h-d, meaning there is a harley dealer on every streetcorner it seems. Plus finding used ones isn't so easy, and im not shelling out 20k or more on a bike.

I did check with my insurance, and it will be over 300 bones cheaper to insure the Harley.